The Vertol Model 76, better known as the VZ-2, had a peculiar appearance. Most of its tubular framework was exposed, and from the front, it looked like a helicopter.

In this historical photo from the U.S. space agency, arriving at Langley from Edwards Air Force Base, Califorina in 1960, this Vertol VZ-2 (Model 76) underwent almost a year and a half of flight ...